iowaman

I am all about value. I would never buy a new Lexus due to depreciation but right now I am trying to determine what would be the best Lexus value for an all cash purchase?

I am currently driving a 2004 ES 330 and I felt like this was by far the best car purchase I have ever made- the car is incredible, I have no complaints but want something a bit newer.

I think a 2007-2012 ES 350 may be a great value. I have been seeing many of these in great condition, some under 10K which is ideal. I kinda like the 2013 model but don't want to spend too much money.

Is an 2007-2012 ES 350 a good value or would it be worth saving a bit more for a 2013?

heidihidin

i would say the answer to your question will depend on the options you are looking for
you can buy a 2010 UL for the same price as a 2013 base with same miles
probably neither for under 10k with reasonable mileage though
for me for 10k i would pick a 2010 base with under 100k miles which i think is attainable

JRA2000TL

I just paid around $15.5k after tax for an 11 ES 350 with the UL, 77k miles in very good condition. 1 owner, no accidents. Smoky Granite Mica on Gray. I paid more than I wanted to; however, UL cars are rare and hard to find. I even have access to Manheim and searched nationwide for almost 2 months. I was trying to get my uncle to pick up one on OVE or Manheim, but even base/non UL cars were going for 11-13k at auction. Dealers that had UL cars wanted $16-19k! Unbelievable! I flew 862 miles from the Alabama Gulf Coast to Richmond, VA and drove it home. Had a friend, coincidentally, that lived 2 miles from the small car lot in Richmond, and he checked it out for me.

It's an awesome car! I don't regret my decision. The Mark Levinson stereo was a must for me, and I liked the pano roof. I'm glad I went with that over a base 2013 or 2014 (which would have still cost me probably $1-2k more). I'm just now rolling over 81k and did my 1st oil change on it with Mobil 1 and Mobil 1 filter. I plan on going 7,500 mile intervals. One thing I don't like is that the previous owner put Goodyear tires on it, and they're loud and awful. Who puts Goodyears on a Lexus? I'll be putting Michelins on it when it's time for tires.

Mirza90

I am driving 2010 ES350. Bought it when the Kms was 110000 and now it has reached 168000. The only thing i have to do except for my oil changes is rear tail light replacement. $10 for a pair and now needs to replace headlight bulbs. Apart from that it has been most reliable car to me so far. Absolutely recommend it.

CQRT

Between ES330s and 350s, we've owned 4 and in my judgement, it's just about the best brand on the planet. That said- the value proposition is tied to where the car has been housed and the availability of maintenance and ownership records.

The last ES we bought was an 07 ES350 from the original owner- under 100k miles with all books/service records from new for under $9k and only one stone impact in the front clear vinyl protection. Oh- and it's lived in no snow/no rust Arizona- always garaged.

I'd planned on getting a 10-12 - -before they put on the hideous grill- but this car looks and drives like new so I'm good with spending less dough on what is in my view the best car I've ever owned (not counting the 15 Corvettes we've had).

Good luck in your search! Depending on your budget and 'wants' I think you can find a 2010-12 with good miles for low teens but remember to do your homework with Carfax or Autocheck.

iowaman

Thanks! I love my 2004 ES330 but it is approaching a point where things are starting to break down- just hit 170,000 miles. Even with the small things I had to fix, it has been the most trouble free, smoothest vehicle I have ever owned.

I have been seeing a lot of really nice looking, well cared for 2007-2012 ES 350's- I like the way the 2013 looks but also like the previous generation.

Anyways, if either a 5th generation or 6th generation ES350 is as smooth as my ES330, I will be very pleased either way.

WNC

iowaman

Awesome! I ended up buying a 2011 ES 350 in pristine condition and I am very happy with it. Have not been able to sell my 2004 ES 330 yet but I am hoping I will sell it soon. Here where I current live (Central Nebraska), driving a Lexus is not very common and I am not finding many people with cash in hand.